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Abstract
Since the emergence of aircraft in the twentieth century, the control of airspace has become of major tactical importance in times of conflict. This has led to the introduction of various anti-aircraft weapon systems that can be deployed from a variety of platforms. The infrared countermeasure (IRCM) flare has been developed to seduce or decoy the heat seeking types of missile threat away from their targets. In particular, shoulder launched surface-to-air heat-seeking missiles have accounted for a great many aircraft losses since they came into service, and the first generation are now relatively cheap and widely available as shown in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These weapon systems are also becoming increasingly sophisticated and aircraft must be equipped with suitable countermeasures to protect against an ever-growing variety of threats. This paper outlines the history of the IRCM flare and details developments in flare technology that have arisen to counter the ever-evolving missile threats.